Topic
Politics
Politics shapes our communities, and Western Montana News is here to keep you informed. From local elections to national policy, we cover the issues that matter most to Montana residents. Stay up to date with in-depth reporting, analysis, and commentary on the decisions impacting our state and beyond.
Property Tax Bills Passed by Democrats and ‘Defecting Republicans’
Missoula County Republican Leader Criticizes Gianforte, Legislators Over SB 542 and HB 231
Montana’s New Property Tax Laws Pick Winners and Losers
State Rep. Shannon Maness explains why he and 32 other Republicans voted against the new property tax legislation
Vetting Doesn’t Divide Republicans — Dishonesty Does
Montana House candidate Trevor Walter says party questionnaires aren’t about loyalty — they’re about giving voters the truth they deserve
New Federal Court Case Confirms That Montana Should Join the Call for an Amendments Convention
Legal ruling provides clarity on state powers to propose federal amendments
Downing Bill Would Help Montana Businesses Spot AI Hype
Cost-neutral legislation aims to help Montana businesses determine when AI tools are worth adopting—and when they aren’t
Montana Supreme Court Splits Rulings on Nonpartisan Judicial Ballot Measures
Court approves measure to prohibit party labels on judicial ballots, rejects companion proposal
If You Don’t Want Kings, Take Off the Partisan Blinders
“Both sides” guilty of enabling presidential overreach, Koopman argues
America Beware
A Flathead Valley Community College student reflects on her family’s escape from Soviet Ukraine.
Montana Senator Co-Sponsors Bill Making It Easier to Try Violent Juveniles as Adults
“Ensuring Americans have safe communities to live in is both common sense and one of government’s most basic duties.”
Montana Senators React to Government Shutdown Ending
Senate votes 60-40 to end 41-day shutdown as eight Democrats join Republicans
Montana Issues Partial SNAP Benefits as Federal Shutdown Nears End
State issues 65% of maximum allotments as Senate passes bill to fully fund program through September 2026
Downing Bill Would Ensure Cemetery Access on Memorial Day, Veterans Day
Legislation would guarantee Gold Star families can visit gravesites on Memorial Day, Veterans Day
Missoula Conservatives Can Win — If We Show Up
Missoula’s future depends on conservatives showing up, stepping up, and getting involved, writes newly elected Missoula GOP Chairman.
Montana Housing Crisis Drives Downing’s Federal Repair Program Push
Downing’s bipartisan bill would provide repair grants to homeowners, forgivable loans to small landlords with affordability strings attached
Daines: Major Flight Delays Coming as Shutdown Sets Historic Record
Montana Senator warns of airline disruptions as Democrats block 14th vote to reopen government on day 35 of shutdown
Helena City Commission Candidate Leaves Threatening Voicemail for Senator Sheehy
Haley McKnight wished cancer and death on Sheehy after his vote on GOP reconciliation bill
Missoula Republicans Organize Food Drive While Local Activists Plan Political Theater at County Courthouse
GOP launches community food drive as SNAP benefits suspended, contrasting with activist groups’ planned “Die-In” demonstration
